Volkswagen E-Golf (2018)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 567 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,010
£84/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
Electric
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £1,010/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
Home charging at about 7.5p a mile
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), home charging at about 7.5p a mile, GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.
92% of MOT tests on Volkswagen E-Golfs from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 567 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 42,962 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
42,962
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf had 42,962 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Volkswagen E-Golf by Year
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About the 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf
The 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf is an electric car. Our records list it as electric. 567 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 42,962 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen E-Golf owners drive about as much as the UK average.
What does it cost to own a 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,010 (£84/month), broken down as £555 electricity, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Volkswagen E-Golf Reliability Trend
The Volkswagen E-Golf has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Battery Degradation
Watch outAfter 8 years, expect some battery capacity loss. Check the battery health report for state of health (SoH). Below 80% significantly reduces range.
Charging Port
Medium riskCharging connectors and ports can develop issues from regular use. Check both AC and DC charging work correctly before purchasing.
Software Updates
Medium riskOlder EVs may miss out on manufacturer software updates that improve range and features. Check the infotainment system is up to date.
12V Auxiliary Battery
Medium riskEVs still have a standard 12V battery for accessories. These drain faster than in petrol cars and can leave you stranded if flat. Replacement is £100-£200.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen E-Golf(2018) | 92% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,010 |
| Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd(2020) | 89% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,160+£150 |
| Jaguar I-Pace(2020) | 96% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,010same |
| Nissan Leaf(2020) | 92% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,010same |
| Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +(2020) | 89% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,160+£150 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf
Is the 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 2018 Volkswagen E-Golfs ended in a pass, from 567 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,010 a year (£84 a month): £555 electricity, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf?
92% of 567 MOT tests on the 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 215th of 607 models first registered in 2018 (top half).
Which year Volkswagen E-Golf has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2020 the lowest at 90%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf is 42,962 miles, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Volkswagen Models
Explore other Volkswagen cars or similar models in the same category.
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Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd
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2020 · Electric
Nissan Leaf
2020 · Electric
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